Many gardeners have a love-hate relationship with dandelions. Some find their nutritional value and contributions to the environment, including acting as a food source, beneficial to their yard.

Others find the yellow weed disruptive, since it can take away from the beauty of a pristine lawn or even outcompete other plants. Not to mention, dandelions multiply fast if left unchecked.

If you fall into the latter camp, there's steps you can take to get rid of dandelions for good before they completely take over your yard. Most experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to dandelion control with various methods to prevent, remove and treat existing infestations.

Tired of dandelions that just won't quit? Try these seven expert-recommended dandelion control solutions, including a mix of natural, chemical and DIY options that you can easily use at home.

Hand-digging or pulling

It may be the most labor-intensive, but good-ol' hand-digging or pulling dandelions is often considered the best route of action for thorough dandelion removal. The trick, however, is making sure to remove the entire root (which helps prevent further growth and spread).

"When doing this, avoid disturbing the flower heads, as that can spread seeds that will produce additional plants," says Rob Palmer, founder and brand president at Lawn Squad.

Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery, recommends using a heavy layer of mulch (at least three inches thick or more) if dandelions tend to take over your yard or flower beds.

"In my experience, it's best to stop dandelions before they can even grow by using mulch in the areas I'd like to avoid them the most," she says.

Broadleaf weed control

If you're facing a particularly bad dandelion infestation, you'll want to go for a stronger solution.

"For a more aggressive approach, apply a broadleaf weed control product that contains 2,4-D, following label instructions carefully," Palmer says. "This type of post-emergent herbicide targets dandelions without harming most lawn grasses, making it a practical option for homeowners."

At the end of the day, Palmer says a combination of manual removal and targeted chemical treatment offers the best chance at long-term control. Still, 2,4-D weed killer comes with known health risks, including skin rash and headache, so it should be used with care and caution.

Boiling water

One simple solution Sons recommends is pouring boiling water directly onto dandelion weeds.

It's important to avoid other plants, since boiling water can kill anything it comes in contact with.

In some cases, dandelion roots may be too deep for a boiling water treatment to be effective. In that case, you may want to opt for hand-digging or pulling to get the dandelions at their roots.

Spot spraying

An easy DIY dandelion control solution that requires minimal ingredients is spot spraying.

"Go with a mix of vinegar, salt and dish soap," says Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. Mix one gallon of white vinegar with one cup of salt and one-to-two tablespoons of dish soap. Then, pour into a clean spray bottle or a lawn and garden pump sprayer for larger areas.

"This will kill your dandelions without doing too much damage to the surrounding lawn, especially if you water heavily to clear the salt afterwards," Ashton explains.

Keeping grass healthy

While many people prefer to keep their grass cut short, healthy, dense grass can actually prevent dandelion growth. Not only can tall grass shade dandelion seeds from the sun, slowing their growth, it also outcompetes dandelions by using up the majority of water and nutrients.

"Focus on making your grass healthy," Ashton recommends. "Regularly aerating, dethatching and fertilizing your grass will keep it strong and well-drained, keeping weeds from starting."

Moving away from grass entirely

If dandelions are multiplying across your yard despite your best efforts, you may want to consider moving away from grass entirely with a more permanent dandelion control solution.

"Hardscaping or artificial turf never need weeding or mowing," Ashton says. Of course, this can be a costly investment, especially if you live on a large plot of land with broad areas of grass.

At the end of the day, dandelions come with pros and cons, just like any other plant. While dandelions are an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators, they can also be disruptive by competing with grass and fellow plants for water, sunlight and nutrients.

If none of these steps work for you, it may be time to seek out a weed control company.

Related: Don't Waste Free Resource That Completely Takes Care of Weeds